Whether you are up for your first job interview or a seasoned professional on the hunt for a new company, it is vital to nail that interview. What many job candidates forget is the importance of connecting with the interviewer. Today, we share how to connect with interviewers to make that excellent first impression.

How to Connect with Interviewers

Be Prepared

Before you even meet the interviewer, you should always take the time to prepare. Preparation includes researching the company, identifying how your skills will benefit the company, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, as well as printing off your portfolio, resume, references, and questions.

Greet them Warmly

One of the most straightforward tips to absorb in how to connect with interviewers is to greet them warmly. Start the meeting with a firm handshake, a smile, and an “it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Additionally, we recommend imitating the interviewer’s energy in the meeting. If they are bouncy and excited, be bouncy and excited. If they are calm and serious, be calm and serious. Being a mirror is an excellent way to connect quickly.

Be Friendly

It can be easy to get caught up in your nerves, but it is vital to be friendly during the interview. We recommend smiling often, being willing to share personal interests if they arise naturally, and showing interest in the interviewers.

Don’t be afraid to engage the interviewers in casual small talk before getting down to business; this gives them a sneak peek into how you react with new people and insights about the company for you. We recommend questions like “how long have you worked here?” or “how is your day so far?” Plus, make sure to remember their name!

Sit Like a Model

When wondering how to connect with interviewers on a body language level, we recommend sitting like a model. This means making eye contact, sitting up straight, and directing your body to face the person you are talking to.

Show Passion & Interest

Companies want employees to enjoy their jobs as it provides a higher performance rate. By demonstrating your passion and interest in their field during the interview, the interviewers will notice.

We recommend asking questions about the job and the company as you go instead of waiting to the end. Of course, you want to ensure that it is timed appropriately and in context, but questions demonstrate interest. A great question to ask is about company culture. It shows that you are interested in being a part of their team.

Additionally, listen carefully to the answers the interviewers provide to your questions. They often hold clues to what the interviewer wants to hear.

Thank the Interviewers & Follow Up

One of our last tips on how to connect with interviewers is to make sure to thank them as you are heading out the door and to follow up after the interview immediately. A follow-up should be an email or card thanking the interviewers for their time, mentioning an important topic discussed in the interview, and why you are looking forward to the chance of working with them.